Kutayib

5.2. Public speaking

Session Objectives

By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

  • Build confidence and reduce fear of public speaking.

  • Improve clarity, structure, and delivery of messages.

  • Develop active listening and constructive feedback skills.

  • Practice storytelling, improvisation, and speech preparation.

  • Translate public speaking skills into real-life youth or club activities.

Duration

03h 00min

Group size

Set by facilitator

Materials needed

Cards, flipchart, markers, pen

Session Description 

This session strengthens participants’ public speaking and storytelling skills through interactive activities. Starting with an icebreaker to build confidence, participants explore key techniques such as posture, voice control, and speech structure. They engage in impromptu speaking, storytelling, and mini-speech exercises, receiving constructive peer feedback. The session concludes with reflection and personal action plans to continue improving communication skills.

Duration: 10min

Group size: Pairs

  • Participants pair up.

  • Each interviews the other for 2–3 minutes - Then, each introduces their partner to the group.

Objectives: Warm up participants, build confidence in public speaking, and practice listening and summarizing skills.

Duration: 20min

Group size: All together

Materials needed: Flipchart, markers

  • The facilitator/ trainer presents key tips: posture, voice projection, eye contact, gestures, and the structure of a speech.

  • Short demonstrations.

Objectives: Understand the key components of effective public speaking and learn foundational skills.

Duration: 25min

Group size: Groups

Materials needed: Cards, pen

  • Each participant picks a random topic card. - They have 1 minute to prepare and 1–2 minutes to speak in front of their group.

  • Each group gives feedback (sandwich method).

Objectives: Practice thinking on your feet, build confidence and fluency, and develop constructive feedback skills.

Duration: 35min

Group size: Pairs

  • Each participant tells a 2-minute personal story (real or fictional) to their partner.

  • Partner notes what was clear, engaging, or confusing.

  • Swap roles.

  • Each participants provide a brief about their mate’s story to the other participants.

Objectives: Improve narrative and engagement skills, practice structuring content for clarity, and enhance active listening and feedback.

Duration: 40min

Group size: Groups

Materials needed: Flipchart, markers

  • Groups choose a topic relevant to youth or their clubs.

  • Draft a 3-minute speech with:

    • Opening (hook)

    • Key points (3 max)

    • Closing (call to action or summary)

  • Practice delivery in small groups.

Objectives: Learn how to structure speeches effectively, practice teamwork and peer support, and prepare for public delivery.

Duration: 15min

Group size: All together

  • Participants reflect: “What is one thing I will practice this week to improve my public speaking?”

  • Share pledges in pairs or with the group.

Objectives: Reinforce learning outcomes and encourage actionable personal commitment.

Support / example: The basics of public speaking

Key tips for public speaking (facilitator guidance)

  1. Posture & presence

    • Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart.

    • Keep shoulders relaxed, avoid crossing arms.

    • Face the audience fully, avoid turning your back.

    • Use stillness with purposeful movement (no pacing).

  2. Voice projection

    • Speak loudly and clearly enough for the last row to hear.

    • Vary tone, pace, and volume to avoid monotony.

    • Pause for emphasis instead of filling silence with “um” or “uh.”

    • Breathe deeply, don’t rush your words.

  3. Eye contact

    • Look around the room, not just at one spot.

    • Make eye contact with different people for a few seconds each.

    • Avoid reading directly from notes, use notes only as prompts.

  4. Gestures & body language

    • Use natural hand gestures to emphasize points.

    • Keep hands visible (not in pockets or behind your back).

    • Smile and show facial expressions that match your message.

    • Avoid distracting movements like swaying, tapping, or fidgeting.

  5. Structure of a speech

    • Introduction: Grab attention (a question, a story, or a fact).

    • Body: Present 2–3 clear points, supported with examples.

    • Conclusion: Summarize the key idea and leave a strong final message.

  6. Confidence & connection

    • Prepare but don’t memorize word-for-word.

    • Use simple, clear language.

    • Focus on connecting with the audience, not on being perfect.

    • Smile, relax, and enjoy the process. Energy is contagious.